Description:

Decatur Stephen 1751 - 1808 Stephen Decatur boldly signed ALS to John Rodgers with Navy content



Bi-fold letter scripted entirely in the hand of Decatur, 8" x 9.75", plus address leaf. Penned on both sides of the first page, with the second page blank and docketed verso. Filled in professional restoration to blank areas of page, not affecting text. Remnants of wax seal still present. Light foxing throughout with expected folds. Dated "April 1st 1814", and signed by Stephen Decatur as "S Decatur".

A fantastic piece of Navy history. A scarce ALS by Stephen Decatur written to John Rodgers, who was a senior naval officer in the United States Navy (and who served under six Presidents for nearly four decades during its formative years). Decatur's letter complains about a sketchy individual named Champlin, who was misleading the Secretary of the Treasury in the hopes of being appointed Navy agent. Lurid back-stabbing 101 apparently existed 200 years ago as much as it does in today's political arena! In Decatur's letter, he urges John Rogers to "save" the current Navy agent from Champlin's web of lies by reaching out to Secretary of the Treasury in Washington.

Stephen Decatur was a man whose short life was lived fearlessly and in fighting for his strong beliefs who would employ whatever means necessary to uphold his convictions.

Decatur became the most lauded American naval hero since John Paul Jones after his daring expedition into Tripoli harbor to destroy a captured vessel which was believed to have been used by the enemy as a model to build their own ships (somewhat akin to current day espionage where we destroy any technology that has fallen into the wrong hands to prevent the dark side from learning our secrets). Decatur disguised his men as Maltase sailors and boarded the captured ship, setting it afire. Later, Decatur championed a verdict to court martial one Barron and have him expelled from the Navy. He further used his influence to prevent Barron's reinstatement, a vendetta which climaxed in the duel in which Decatur lost his life. His complete dedication is conveyed in the following famous quote:

"Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong!"

This quote is a perfect display of his personality, the essence of which is shown on a more personal level in this letter. He implores John Rogers to rise to the occasion to right a wrong, to stand up to a deceitful person, to assist a friend who is being set up, and to fight for your beliefs, whether for your country, or your friend, or your home.

This incredible letter is shown in full below:

"Dear Rogers, April 1st, 1814

Mr. Richards, the Navy agent here is very near loosing [sic] his place nothing but the immediate interposition of his friends can save him, it appears that a man here by the name of Champlin has been on to Washington + has represented him as untrustworthy + advises to the administration + has put in himself for the office + it is said the man has succeeded in misleading the Sect of the Treasury + is now nominated to the senate as Inspector of the revenue at this place I have written to the sect. on the subject stating his integrity + adherence to the democratic interest. a similar letter from you I hope will put all (illegible) if the deed should not be done

God bless you,

S Decatur

What you do must be done instantly. Mr. Richards holds the office of Inspector of the revenue"

A fantastic letter showing Decatur's spirit and resolve.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000